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The physical design of the SteelSeries 7H Apple Edition is identical to the PC version that we reviewed a while back. Unlike many of SteelSeries' headsets, it is constructed from matte plastic which is far more practical than gloss in most instances as it resists fingerprints and damage more easily. Almost the entire headset is finished in black except for a bit of trim on each earcup.
Like most of SteelSeries' range, the 7H feels very well built which a goes quite a way to justifying the premium price tag that they demand. We expect all headsets to feature plastic predominantly in the design as it keeps the weight down, improving comfort. The 7H is no exception to this but, we have to add that the plastic that SteelSeries use feels far superior in quality to most of the cheaper (and sometimes more expensive) headsets that pass through our labs.
SteelSeries have integrated portability into the design of the 7H from the outset. Despite being a full-size headset, it can be easily transported thanks to the pull-apart design that lets you reduce the headset down to three sections. This reduced the likelihood of damage to the headset during transit and also reduces the traveling volume.
The cable also detaches from the headset, and uses a micro-USB connector to plug into the left earcup. This cable is the one and only difference between the Apple version of this product and the standard version. To our surprise, SteelSeries have removed the high quality braided cable shielding that they use for the PC version of the 7H, replacing it with a cheap-feeling plastic alternative. It terminates in a single 3.5mm connector which supports both headphone and microphone input simultaneously from any supported device. Although the headset is marketed at Apple products specifically, it should be compatible with all products that use this single jack interface like the latest Android smartphones and tablets.
Like all other SteelSeries headset we've looked at, the 7H features a retractable boom microphone which is stowed in the left earcup when not in use. It features background noise cancellation which works effectively and the sound quality is quite reasonable. It is ideal if you plan to use Skype with a Macbook as both the headphones and microphone are supported through the single 3.5mm connector.
About half way along the cable there is a small in-line control which lets you adjust volume up and down by squeezing the top and bottom of the bar. Squeezing the middle where the SteelSeries logo is lets you pause music and skip through tracks on your Apple device.
